Just two weeks before it’s set to sail into theaters,The LionKingis offering fans a new perspective on its cast and characters. DirectorJon Favreauis returning to the world of live-action to bring 1994’sThe Lion Kingto life as part of Disney’s recent plan to do live-action remakes of many of their beloved animated films. Earlier 2019 entries includedDumboandAladdinwithLady & theTrampset to debut on the Disney+ streaming service later in 2019.
On Tuesday, Disney released cast and character portraits for each of the key members of the cast, situating eachLion Kingcharacter on one side of the frame and placing the acting lending their voice to their respective character opposite. The overall effect is stunning and definitely helps build excitement for the film.
A decent portion of the cast was chosen for their character portraits, includingDonald Glover(Simba),Beyoncé(Nala),Alfre Woodard(Sarabi), andChiwetel Ejiofor(Scar). There are also group portraits, withBilly Eichner(Timon),Seth Rogen(Pumbaa), andJohn Oliver(Zazu) paired together andKeegan Michael-Key(Kamari),Florence Kasumba(Shenzi), andEric André(Azizi) also grouped together.
Disney also released a behind-the-scenes featurette which takes viewers into the recording studio as Glover, Eichner, Rogen, Key, Ejiofor,Beyoncé, and returning cast memberJames Earl Jonesall record their dialogue. The featurette also shares interviews with these cast members (save Beyoncé and Jones) as they open up about what participating in this film means to them and what made them want to join. Take a look:
Disney’s The Lion Kingarrives in theaters August 09, 2025.
